The Cherished Wife



Jack stayed silent while Xylos let out a weary sigh. "That boy is just like I was at his age. He will stop at nothing to get what he wants. He's not right for the Lennon family, and he's not right for Lennon Group. Both the company and the family are yours. When I'm gone, you have to look after Ari and Jamie. They're your only family left in this world, after all."

Jack's grip on the documents suddenly tightened, a dark glint flashing in his eyes.

Outside the door, Jamie clenched his fist tight, his face twisted into a grimace of malice that mirrored Jack's exactly.

Xylos was determined that Peter would not return this time. The folks who used to shadow Peter's every move had bailed on Lennon Group to join Nexus Group, the new hotshot company that had skyrocketed to fame in Cascade City in less than three years.

"Get on it ASAP. I want the lowdown on Nexus Group!" Jack demanded, his eyes glued to the stack of papers before him. He glanced up at the woman standing a short distance away. "And what are you doing here?"

"Jack..."

"It's Uncle Jack to you!" Jack's eyes flashed with annoyance. "This is a workplace, not a family reunion. What's your business here?"

"Jack, does it have to be this way between us? You know I've never really seen you as my uncle. We..." Ari's voice trailed off as she bit her lip, struggling with her emotions. "Why did you marry Tania? You know what we had when you were with me..."

"That's enough." Jack rose to his feet, his gaze on Ari as steady and unyielding as a glacier. "How many times do I have to spell it out for you? I'm Uncle Jack, your elder, and that's that."

"No, you're not." Ari reached out and embraced Jack. "You've never been just an elder to me. I've been by your side since I was sixteen. You left me alone and didn't even tell me why. Did you know Grandpa tried to marry me off to someone else? I searched everywhere for you, but you were gone..."

Jack's grip tightened on Ari's hand before he pushed her away with a force that left no room for argument. "You chose this path. Remember, there's no 'us'. I'm Uncle Jack, and that's all I'll ever be."

"I don't care about any of that," Ari protested, her voice thick with emotion. None of it mattered from the day chose to follow you. Deep down know you care too. Why else

did you want me ba

"I've never loved you. Ari, you're nothing more than a niece to me. Your feelings are just too messed up for me to handle!"

Jack's eyes were icy as he stared at Ari. "If Dad finds out about this, you and Jamie could be kicked out of the Lennon family. Just go, and we'll forget any of this ever happened, okay?"

"Do you think Grandpa's clueless?

He's been good to Jamie all because of you. When I got pregnant out of wedlock, Grandpa was worried I'd be the talk of the town with my baby bump, so he got that guy to marry into the Lennon family. Jamie... Jamie's your kid."

Jack's fists were tight. "Ari, if you keep making up stories, don't expect me to still see you as family." He hit the intercom. "Security? Get up here now!"

The office door flew open, and Jamie stormed in, glaring at Jack and Ari. Ari's heart skipped a beat. "Jamie, I..."

"Jack, you're such a jerk!"noveldrama

Jamie lunged and threw a punch at Jack. "I'm gonna make you pay, you lowlife!"

"Jamie, stop!" Ari jumped in front of Jack as Jamie raised his fist again. "Jamie, what are you doing?"

"What am I doing?" Jamie's laugh was bitter, his eyes colder than ever. "You two are just... disgusting."